According to the data available with the traffic police, 13 cyclists were killed in 2017, while 27 cyclists were grievously injured.

Hoping to encourage city denizens to take up cycling, and do so safely, traffic police plan to collaborate with cycling clubs of Chandigarh.

“Traffic police are making efforts to reach out to cycling organizations in Chandigarh. We appeal to all avid cyclists to join hands with ourcyclesquads to educate cyclists about the importance of adopting safety measures,” Shashank Anand, senior superintendent of police (SSP, traffic), said.

According to the data available with the traffic police, 13 cyclists were killed in 2017, while 27 cyclists were grievously injured. These were 11.21% of all male deaths, 0.93% of all female deaths, 8.27% of all male injuries and 0.66% of all female injuries when all vehicle types are compared for 2017.

Deputy superintendent of police (DSP), traffic (administration), Jaswinder Singh spoke about the role the newly introduced cycle squads are playing in this initiative.

“Eight constables have been divided into groups of two under a buddy system, and each team is tasked with cycling on all cycle tracks in the zone assigned to them and conducting a road safety audit,” he said.

Daily reports are prepared about the roads that need repair or which require illumination. Members of the cycle squad revealed that they are riding around 30 kilometers a day for the audit.

Though they welcomed the initiative, cycling organisations say a lot needs to be done to make cycling safe in Chandigarh.

Gurjusjit Singh, president of the Chandigarh Cycling Association, believes that a lot of groundwork needed to be done to make cycling in city roads safe. “The cycling tracks aren’t very helpful as cyclists have to take the main roads at rotaries, while in other places like between Sectors 24 and 15, and 10 and 11, the track slants towards the road making it dangerous. Loose wires are hanging at a lot of spots, and potholes are aplenty,” he said.

A member of the Riders of the Storm group,Subhash Arora,believes that any effort will need to be sustained over a long period of time to have any effect. “The traffic police must focus on spreading awareness among cyclists about how they can stay safe.”

Traffic police officials said they were in the process of preparing awareness pamphlets, and on-duty traffic personnel had also been instructed to make sure cyclists use cycle tracks.

Pedalling away? Be safe

1. Opt for helmets and knee guards while cycling

2. Wear bright clothes with skinny fit

3. Tubeless tyres greatly bring down the risk of punctures

4. Ensure your cycle is equipped with reflectors

5. Regular upkeep of the cycle is essential. Checking the brakes before riding is a must.